By Ladonna Chambers
Pressure relief cushions are a valuable aid in the prevention of
ulcers, which can be very painful as well as difficult to treat.
People with low mobility, who spend lots of time in the same position, are at risk of developing sores, especially on bonier parts of their bodies, which press against their beds or chairs. Buttocks, shoulders and hips are the most commonly affected areas, as well as heels, which are sometimes damaged by friction against sheets.
It is always a good idea to consult a health care professional before purchasing this equipment so that they can advise on what is the most suitable. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists, in particular, can give very valuable advice. It is particularly important to make sure that purchases will not cause dangerous situations; for example, using too high a pad in a wheelchair could mean that the patient could easily topple out. It is therefore essential to make sure that aids fit chairs correctly, and some need to be made to measure.
Not all pads will meet the requirements of every user. People who find it difficult to get up out of a chair will benefit from a firmer pad that will be unlikely to slip in the chair when they try to move. Other people will prefer memory foam, which moulds to the shape of their body and feel very comfortable.
Incontinent patients in particular, will need a product that is waterproof and easily cleaned. However, these qualities are useful to most people and a pad that can be cleaned will be more pleasant t use and will probably last longer. Pads that hold moisture against the body should be avoided, as persistently damp skin is both more easily damaged and takes longer to heal.
Pads differ in how warm they feel against the body, so this is another point to consider. Foam products can get quite warm against the skin and may not be suitable for people who get very warm. Items made of gel are probably the coolest to touch and may be uncomfortable for patients who feel the cold easily.
As well as being manufactured in different sizes and shaped, some products are available with a ramp to one side, which can be very useful for patients with low stability as they can help keep them in their chairs. Different pads are suitable for those at differing risks of ulcers. These items will last longer if they are turned regularly, and very, thin soft pads that will wear out quickly are of little use.
A lightweight, easy to move pad is a good idea if it will need to be used in various different chairs. Smokers should take particular care that the product they select is fire retardant but all manufacturers should comply with current fire safety legislation. Pads are specially manufactured for the use of children and some companies specialize in those for the very large who may be too weighty for regular products
There are many factors that should be considered in the fight to prevent ulcers, such as dealing with the patient's nutritional needs and making sure that he or she is well hydrated. It is important to make sure they are not too cold or do not overheat and when moved, care is taken not to drag them. However, pressure relief cushions also have a very important role to play in avoiding this condition.
People with low mobility, who spend lots of time in the same position, are at risk of developing sores, especially on bonier parts of their bodies, which press against their beds or chairs. Buttocks, shoulders and hips are the most commonly affected areas, as well as heels, which are sometimes damaged by friction against sheets.
It is always a good idea to consult a health care professional before purchasing this equipment so that they can advise on what is the most suitable. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists, in particular, can give very valuable advice. It is particularly important to make sure that purchases will not cause dangerous situations; for example, using too high a pad in a wheelchair could mean that the patient could easily topple out. It is therefore essential to make sure that aids fit chairs correctly, and some need to be made to measure.
Not all pads will meet the requirements of every user. People who find it difficult to get up out of a chair will benefit from a firmer pad that will be unlikely to slip in the chair when they try to move. Other people will prefer memory foam, which moulds to the shape of their body and feel very comfortable.
Incontinent patients in particular, will need a product that is waterproof and easily cleaned. However, these qualities are useful to most people and a pad that can be cleaned will be more pleasant t use and will probably last longer. Pads that hold moisture against the body should be avoided, as persistently damp skin is both more easily damaged and takes longer to heal.
Pads differ in how warm they feel against the body, so this is another point to consider. Foam products can get quite warm against the skin and may not be suitable for people who get very warm. Items made of gel are probably the coolest to touch and may be uncomfortable for patients who feel the cold easily.
As well as being manufactured in different sizes and shaped, some products are available with a ramp to one side, which can be very useful for patients with low stability as they can help keep them in their chairs. Different pads are suitable for those at differing risks of ulcers. These items will last longer if they are turned regularly, and very, thin soft pads that will wear out quickly are of little use.
A lightweight, easy to move pad is a good idea if it will need to be used in various different chairs. Smokers should take particular care that the product they select is fire retardant but all manufacturers should comply with current fire safety legislation. Pads are specially manufactured for the use of children and some companies specialize in those for the very large who may be too weighty for regular products
There are many factors that should be considered in the fight to prevent ulcers, such as dealing with the patient's nutritional needs and making sure that he or she is well hydrated. It is important to make sure they are not too cold or do not overheat and when moved, care is taken not to drag them. However, pressure relief cushions also have a very important role to play in avoiding this condition.
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